EP39: What Curt Spends While Vacationing in Aruba

Podcast

An Aruba expense report is the topic of discussion on episode 39 of One Happy Podcast. The idea for this episode came from a few questions I recently saw on the Aruba Facebook groups. Would be visitors to the island were asking for advice on how much they would be looking at spending while on the island. Estimates were all over the place, with none being very specific. I don’t blame the people answering the questions for this vagueness as it’s a natural limitation to Facebook groups. It’s just really hard to give a complete answer on a one paragraph Facebook post. Thankfully I have a podcast, which allows me to give a much more detailed answers.

On this episode of the show I use my September 2015 Aruba trip as an example of what a trip to Aruba can cost. What I do with that data is list actual prices we paid for car rentals and dinners on the island. Hopefully by providing that information to you guys it will help you figure out your own budgeting. This post is geared more towards Aruba newbies but can also prove helpful for anyone wondering how their expenses stack up.

Sometimes it comes off like it’s taboo to discuss specific numbers, but in my opinion specifics are the only way to be helpful. When someone asks for recommendations for an affordable place to eat if only a name is tossed out it means nothing. Affordable to you may be completely different than it does for the person asking the question. By providing not only the actual amount spent at a particular restaurant but what it was spent on it allows for a more complete picture for the person making the inquiry.

 
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EP33: Kristina Tisellano and the Playa Linda

Podcast

Joining me today on One Happy Podcast is Kristina Tisellano an Aruba traveler who has been visiting the island nearly her entire life. First visiting the island at the age of 4, Kristina, now 26 spends multiple weeks each year on the island. I guess you could say she grew up on the island.

Typically Kristina and her family stay at the Playa Linda, the resort property where her parents purchased that first timeshare many years ago. Not being familiar with the Playa Linda, Kristina painted an incredible picture for me, highlighting the family friendly atmosphere of the resort. One thing I thought was particularly cool is there way the families the Kristina has met over the years gather year after year becoming a sort of vacation family. She also mentions several of the staff members who have also become part of her Aruba family over the years.

As you could probably guess, a 26 year old who has been visiting the island for more than 20 years knows all of the ins and outs. Kristina was kind enough to share with us many of her favorite restaurants. One part of the interview that will be of interest to those who struggle searching for nightlife is where Kristina talks about some of her favorite night time hotspots.

 
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EP2 – Aruba Then and Now with Andrea J.

Podcast

Relatively speaking I’m a newbie when it comes to Aruba vacations, so when I wanted to find out what Aruba was like before it became so popular I knew exactly where to turn. On today’s episode of One Happy Podcast I talk with Andrea James who has been visiting the island for over 30 years.

Over the course of those 30 plus years Andrea has seen Aruba transform from little known Caribbean paradise to one of the most popular Caribbean vacation destinations hosting over 1 million visitors each year. When not in Aruba, Andrea also doubles as one of the “Rockstar” forum moderators over at Aruba.com. Today we talk to Andrea about not only how the island has changed but also what it’s like to tasked with keeping arguably the most active Aruba online community drama and spam free.

Over the course of the 46 minute interview one thing becomes clear… Andrea loves Aruba. Andrea’s passion for her second home definitely shines through and will leave you wanting to book a trip the minute you finish listening.

 
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